'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,/9j/2wBDAAYEBQYFBAYGBQYHBwYIChAKCgkJChQODwwQFxQYGBcUFhYaHSUfGhsjHBYWICwgIyYnKSopGR8tMC0oMCUoKSj/2wBDAQcHBwoIChMKChMoGhYaKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCj/wAARCAAHAAoDASIAAhEBAxEB/8QAFgABAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAQH/8QAHxAAAgIBBAMAAAAAAAAAAAAAAQIDEQAEBSJBEiEx/8QAFQEBAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAP/xAAaEQACAgMAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAQIRIXHB/9oADAMBAAIRAxEAPwDHtJvzSahItOeToxdZIlYHxFir+e+8lG8REcmmvulFYxislW6invh//9k='%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Theo Rossi is looking back on his long journey in the film industry as he steps into a new role, director. The 50-year-old Sons of Anarchy star recently showed up at Clarins Golden Hour Event with V Magazine at Waller Creek Boathouse in Austin, Texas. In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Rossi talked about how the experience of being in front of and behind the camera has equipped him to make his directorial debut, Shell Game.
Shell Game revolves around a team of robbers who come together after many years to take part in one final heist. In the process, they encounter ancient feuds and emerging problems. Theo Rossi, who has also been a film producer for a number of films, claimed that directing was a logical step to take.
He also confided that this film was influenced by one of his favorite films of all time, Heat (1995) by Michael Mann. The crime thriller that features Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, and Val Kilmer has made Rossi perceive the act of telling a story in a tense environment of pressure.
From extra to filmmaker: Theo Rossi's journey in Hollywood
Theo Rossi’s path in Hollywood began with small roles and long days on set. He shared that he had to climb his way up slowly through different parts of the industry.
“I started from under the bottom in this business as an extra, commercials. I've been doing this for a long time now, and directing was always kind of where I wanted to end up, so I guess, in some weird way, I'm almost there.”
Over the years, Theo Rossi has written and produced several projects. In addition to producing his last six films, he has also written a few projects that have already been released. His new project, Shell Game, marks the next big milestone in his creative career.
Theo Rossi elaborated that the process of directing has been both exciting and challenging. He sees it as a way to bring together all his years of experience as an actor and producer.
“So it'll be really cool. I'm really excited about how it's all coming together,” he added.
Read More: Who was Tony Adams? Tributes pour in as Crossroads and Doctor Who actor dies at 84
Inspiration behind Shell Game
Theo Rossi shared that Shell Game draws inspiration from Heat, the 1995 crime classic. The film’s intense look at loyalty, betrayal, and survival in the criminal world shaped how he approached his own story.
“One of my favorite movies of all time, if not top three, is a movie called Heat by Michael Mann. I just love exploring the underworld.”
He explained that he finds stories about crime and pressure fascinating because they reveal who people really are. Rossi said he grew up around those kinds of environments and wanted to bring authenticity to his storytelling.
“When you're doing a heist in that high-tension situation, relationships are really tested. So I like to see who people really become under pressure.”
Trending
According to Deadline, the principal photography for Shell Game is set to take place in Texas and New Mexico this fall. Rossi is producing the movie alongside Chris Dent, Nicholas Carmona, James Crewe, and Tommy DeNucci.
Love movies? Try our Box Office Game and Movie Grid Game to test your film knowledge and have some fun!
Reply
